1973 Norton Commando 750 Roadster

We recently acquired this excellent Norton Commando in the United States where it had been dry stored since 1995 according to the vendor. It is showing only 4600 miles. although we believe that it is unlikely that this mileage is correct.
The bike is a matching numbers (208655) Roadster 750 manufactured in 1972 and registered in the USA in 1973. At some point before 1995 it has been lightly modified in a mild café racer style. with Akront style rims. Norman Hyde rear sets. and clubman handlebars. It has a very good. possibly original black paint and is in very good overall condition.
The bike has a Combat engine. and we detected a problem with the engine bearings when testing the bike. As these bikes are known to have had a problem with the main bearing on manufacture. we set about replacing the main bearings. and while we were at it decided to carry out a full engine and gearbox rebuild. Both the engine and gearbox have been completely restored. with new pistons for the engine and new bearings for each. as well as renewal of various other engine parts. We have a detailed invoice from Windmill Garage. Rolvenden. for the work carried out which in total amounts to £2533.
In addition to the restoration of the engine and gearbox the following were also renewed:
• Petrol tank resealed with an ethanol proof sealant
• New battery
• New fuel taps
• New battery mounts
• New seat fixings
• New ignition coils
The result of this work is a stylish Commando Roadster. with a completely restored Combat engine and gearbox. MOTed and ready to ride away.
The Combat engine. was the quickest of all the Commando engines in tests carried out by Motor Cycle Mechanics at the time. who clocked it at 65bhp. a 0 to 60mph of 4.5 seconds and a standing start ¼ mile of 12.2 seconds. Now that this engine has been rebuilt it should provide this kind of performance to its new owner. It certainly proved exciting to ride when tested.